Cusco: Machu Picchu 1-day Excursion by Train | Private Tour

Exploring the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is a bucket-list item for many travelers. The Cusco: Machu Picchu 1-day Excursion by Train offers a seamless private tour experience, whisking visitors from Cusco to this iconic site. With a scenic train ride, guided tour, and ample free time to wander, this excursion promises an immersive glimpse into the Inca’s architectural marvels and cultural significance. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to marvel at one of the world’s most stunning destinations, this private tour could be the perfect way to uncover the mysteries of Machu Picchu.

Key Points

• This private 1-day tour to Machu Picchu departs from Cusco or Ollantaytambo between 3 AM and 4:30 AM, with a 1.5-hour train ride to Aguas Calientes.

• The tour includes a guided visit to the main temples, stairways, squares, and the Intiwatana solar observatory at Machu Picchu.

• Necessary transfers, entrance tickets, train and bus tickets, and first aid/oxygen are included, but meals and tips are excluded.

• The tour is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the starting price is £338.22 per person.

• Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the Inca history, engineering feats, and cultural significance of the Machu Picchu citadel.

Tour Overview

This private 1-day tour to Machu Picchu from Cusco allows travelers to discover one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World.

The tour departs from Cusco or Ollantaytambo between 3 AM and 4:30 AM. Travelers then take a 1.5-hour train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a transfer by tourist bus to the Machu Picchu citadel.

Once there, a guided tour showcases the site’s main temples, stairways, squares, and Intiwatana. Afterward, guests have free time to explore Machu Picchu on their own.

The return journey involves a tourist bus to Aguas Calientes, a train to Ollantaytambo, and private transportation back to Cusco.

Itinerary

The tour begins with an early morning departure from either Cusco or Ollantaytambo between 3 AM and 4:30 AM.

The journey then takes guests on a 1.5-hour train ride from Ollantaytambo to the town of Aguas Calientes.

From there, a tourist bus transfers the group up to the iconic Machu Picchu citadel. Once at the site, a professional guide leads a tour of the main temples, stairways, and the famous Intiwatana.

After the guided tour, travelers have free time to explore Machu Picchu on their own.

The return journey retraces the route, with the bus back to Aguas Calientes, the train to Ollantaytambo, and private transportation to Cusco.

Inclusions

The tour includes a pre-tour briefing the day before, as well as all necessary transfers to and from accommodations.

Travelers will also receive a professional guided tour in both English and Spanish, along with entrance tickets to Machu Picchu.

Plus, the package covers round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, as well as round-trip tourist bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to the Machu Picchu citadel.

A first aid kit and oxygen are also provided as part of the tour.

These inclusions ensure a hassle-free and worry-free experience for travelers, allowing them to focus on exploring the wonders of Machu Picchu without having to manage the logistics themselves.

Exclusions

Despite the comprehensive inclusions, the tour’s exclusions include breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any other food not explicitly mentioned. Plus, entrance tickets to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, as well as drinks, aren’t covered. Lastly, tips for the guide aren’t included in the tour price.

The key exclusions to note are:

• Meals, aside from what’s specified in the inclusions
• Access to additional Machu Picchu sites like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
• Beverages throughout the tour
• Tips for the knowledgeable guide

These exclusions allow travelers to budget accordingly and customize their experience to their preferences and needs.

Booking and Cancellation

At a starting price of £338.22 per person, this private tour to Machu Picchu provides flexible booking and cancellation options.

Travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later, with the added convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This allows customers to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can make adjustments if needed without incurring penalties.

The tour operator understands the unpredictable nature of travel and offers this hassle-free policy to ensure a stress-free experience for all guests.

Whether you’re finalizing your itinerary or need to make a last-minute change, this Machu Picchu tour makes the booking process simple and straightforward.

Departure Details

Departures for this 1-day private Machu Picchu tour happen between 03:00-04:30, with guests being picked up from their hotel in Cusco or Ollantaytambo.

This early start ensures travelers can make the most of their day at the iconic Inca citadel.

The adventure begins with:

• A 1.5-hour train ride from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
• A transfer by tourist bus from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu
• A guided tour through the main temples, plazas, and the famous Intiwatana

These well-planned transfers maximize time at Machu Picchu, giving explorers ample opportunity to discover the site’s extraordinary architecture and rich history before the journey back.

Transportation and Transfers

The tour generally includes efficient transportation and well-coordinated transfers that maximize the time spent at Machu Picchu. Travelers are first transported by train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, followed by a tourist bus ride from Aguas Calientes up to the entrance of the iconic Inca citadel.

This seamless combination of train and bus ensures a comfortable and convenient journey, allowing guests to focus on exploring the ancient ruins rather than logistics.

The return trip follows the same route, with the train taking travelers back to Ollantaytambo and private transportation providing the final leg to Cusco. This thoughtful approach to transportation helps create a memorable and hassle-free Machu Picchu experience.

Guided Tour and Exploration

Once travelers arrive at Machu Picchu, they’ll embark on a guided tour that showcases the site’s most significant temples, stairways, and squares.

The knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the architectural marvels and cultural significance of this iconic Inca citadel, bringing the ancient ruins to life.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore the Intiwatana, a remarkable solar observatory, and learn about the site’s rich history and engineering feats.

Following the guided tour, visitors enjoy free time to wander the site on their own, seeing the grandeur of Machu Picchu.

The guided tour offers:

• Exploration of the site’s most important structures
• Insights into Inca history and culture
• Opportunity to visit the Intiwatana solar observatory

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Altitude Sickness a Concern for This Tour?

Altitude sickness is a potential concern for this tour as Machu Picchu is located at a high elevation. Travelers should consult a doctor, take precautions, and be prepared to manage any altitude-related symptoms during the tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though some items may not be allowed through security. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any restrictions before bringing outside items.

Do I Need to Be Physically Fit for This Tour?

While a reasonable level of fitness is helpful, the Machu Picchu tour doesn’t require extreme physical abilities. Guests should be able to walk for a few hours and manage some stairs, but the tour pace is manageable for most visitors.

Can I Extend My Stay in Machu Picchu if Desired?

Visitors can extend their stay in Machu Picchu if desired. However, they’ll need to purchase additional tickets and arrange for their own accommodations and transportation back to Cusco. The tour does not include extended time at the site.

Are There Any Age or Mobility Restrictions for This Tour?

This tour doesn’t have specific age or mobility restrictions. However, the hike up to Machu Picchu can be challenging for some. Guests should have a moderate fitness level to fully enjoy the experience.

Recap

The Machu Picchu 1-day Excursion by Train from Cusco offers a comprehensive private tour experience.

Travelers can enjoy a scenic train ride, followed by a guided tour of the iconic Inca citadel, providing insights into its architectural marvels and cultural significance.

With ample free time to explore the site, this excursion allows visitors to enjoy the grandeur of this ancient wonder.